Ganetespib (STA-9090) augments sorafenib efficacy via necroptosis induction in hepatocellular carcinoma: Implications from preclinical data for a novel therapeutic approach

• Published in: Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy 2023-08, Vol.164, p.114918-114918, Article 114918
• Main Authors: Saber, Sameh, Hasan, Alexandru Madalin, Mohammed, Osama A., Saleh, Lobna A., Hashish, Abdullah A., Alamri, Mohannad Mohammad S., Al-Ameer, Ahmed Y., Alfaifi, Jaber, Senbel, Ahmed, Aboregela, Adel Mohamed, Khalid, Tarig Babikir Algak, Abdel-Reheim, Mustafa Ahmed, Cavalu, Simona
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents - pharmacology; Antineoplastic Agents - therapeutic use; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular - pathology; Cell Line, Tumor; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Ganetespib; Hepatocellular carcinoma; HSP90; Hypoxia - drug therapy; LAMP2; Liver Neoplasms - pathology; Mice; MLKL; Necroptosis; Sorafenib; Sorafenib - pharmacology; Sorafenib - therapeutic use
• ISSN: 0753-3322; 1950-6007
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114918

Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, is a first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, but its long-term effectiveness is limited by the emergence of resistance mechanisms. One such mechanism is the reduction of microvessel density and intratumoral hypoxia caused by prolonged sorafenib treatment. Our research has demonstrated that HSP90 plays a critical role in conferring resistance to sorafenib in HepG2 cells under hypoxic conditions and N-Nitrosodiethylamine-exposed mice as well. This occurs through the inhibition of necroptosis on the one hand and the stabilization of HIF-1α on the other hand. To augment the effects of sorafenib, we investigated the use of ganetespib, an HSP90 inhibitor. We found that ganetespib activated necroptosis and destabilized HIF-1α under hypoxia, thus enhancing the effectiveness of sorafenib. Additionally, we discovered that LAMP2 aids in the degradation of MLKL, which is the mediator of necroptosis, through the chaperone-mediated autophagy pathway. Interestingly, we observed a significant negative correlation between LAMP2 and MLKL. These effects resulted in a reduction in the number of surface nodules and liver index, indicating a regression in tumor production rates in mice with HCC. Furthermore, AFP levels decreased. Combining ganetespib with sorafenib showed a synergistic cytotoxic effect and resulted in the accumulation of p62 and inhibition of macroautophagy. These findings suggest that the combined therapy of ganetespib and sorafenib may offer a promising approach for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by activating necroptosis, inhibiting macroautophagy, and exhibiting a potential antiangiogenic effect. Overall, continued research is critical to establish the full therapeutic potential of this combination therapy. •Necroptosis is attenuated in HCC cells under hypoxia.•HSP90 conferred resistance of HCC cells to sorafenib treatment under hypoxia.•In HCC, ganetespib/sorafenib decreased LAMP2 and inhibited MLKL degradation.•Ganetespib augmented sorafenib efficacy by inducing necroptosis in HCC cells.•In HCC, ganetespib/sorafenib suppressed CMA and macroautophagy.